Build day engages young people in community

Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North (Habitat VIN) is partnering with Youth 20/20 Can to engage young people in volunteerism.

On Tuesday, Aug. 20, Habitat hosted a build day at its Courtenay construction site at 1330 Lake Trail Rd.

“Volunteering offers an opportunity to get creative, to learn new skills, and to make connections,” said Liv Veenstra, youth engagement co-ordinator at the Wachiay Friendship Centre. “It’s a chance to participate in positively shaping your community.”

Wachiay is one of six Island organizations to host this project. The intention is to help young people strengthen their employability, skills and community connections. Build day participants worked alongside like-minded youth building affordable homes for families.

By engaging youth in their mission, Habitat VIN hopes to educate young people about the need for affordable housing, empower them to take action in their communities, and provide an opportunity to gain work experience under the instruction of trained industry professionals.